David Gosen Joins Xbox Europe

Microsoft officials have announced that ex-Nintendo Europe and I-play boss David Gosen is to join the company’s European operations as vice president of strategic marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) unit. In his new role Gosen will be tasked with driving the communications strategy and all marketing for the division as well as having responsibility for the Xbox Live business in Europe. He will also be expected to expand the Xbox 360 market in Europe, particularly in terms of demographics and mass-market appeal. He will report directly to the unit’s vice president Chris Lewis. Gosen most recently served as CEO of I-play Mobile Entertainment, where he evangelized the concept of “one thumb” gameplay and a focus on casual consumers. Previously he was the managing director of Nintendo, during a five year period that encompassed much of the GameCube era. He has also served in senior management positions at British Sky Broadcasting, Mercury One-to-One, Pepsico and Coca-Cola & Schweppes Beverages. “I’m very excited to be part of Microsoft IEB at this key stage in the gaming industry,” said Gosen. “Xbox 360 is now a mass-market gaming console, and with the recent ERP reduction we’re poised to open the market for Xbox 360 even wider. I’m looking forward to joining the the Microsoft IEB team and inviting more and more people into the world of Xbox.” “We’re very happy to welcome David to the Microsoft IEB leadership team,” said Lewis. “We recently re-aligned to combine laser-sharp focus with strong industry and consumer marketing experience. With David leading strategic marketing, Phil Spencer leading MGS in Europe, and Richard Teversham as business and strategy director, we are in a great position to leverage Xbox 360’s European success to further widen the market for Xbox as a mass-market proposition”